CC: The small, oval compressible chest is the hallmark and the single most important attribute a Russell must have. GD: It is essential that this small Terrier display equal mea- surements, withers to brisket and brisket to ground. He must be spannable and the brisket must not reach below the elbow. AH: This is a low-to-the-ground breed that can get down close and personal with its quarry. Yet, they have a very pleasant temperament and get along with other dogs and breeds—mostly. They are great house pets as they’re not quite as busy as some of the other Terriers. AP: The defining element for me is its rectangular profile; however, the Breed Standard states that a “small, oval shaped, compressible chest is the hallmark of the breed.” MU: The horizontal rectangular body possessing a smaller oval-shaped compressible chest is necessary for this hard- working Terrier. 3. Define the correct Russell Terrier breed type. CC: As quoted from the Amplified Guide, a predominantly white-bodied dog with or without tan and/or black mark- ings, measuring between 10"-12", presenting a rectan- gular silhouette. Smooth, broken or rough coat. Overall balance of head to bone to height to width. Equal width fore to aft, equal reach to equal drive, sturdy, flexible body. Spannable and flexible chest, ultimate flexibility determined by correct shape, brisket must never extend below elbow. Head shape that of a blunted wedge, muzzle slightly shorter than the flat back skull, button or drop ears, dark almond shaped eyes and a scissors bite. Gaiting with a lively, unrestricted motion. GD: Small, athletic, active, rectangular terrier, self-assured, predominately white. Equal from withers to elbow and elbow to ground, with a level topline and very slight (often indiscernible) rise over the loin. Spannable, nei- ther too course nor too refined, with compressible chest. Chest should never fall below elbow. Moderate tuck- up. Head displays rather pronounced stop with muzzle slightly shorter than the flat skull. Nose must be black, ears small and v-shaped, button or dropped, carried close to head, with tips even with corner of eye. Eyes dark and almond shaped. Does not display the “terrier front.” Instead, elbows are set under body with sternum in front of point of shoulder. Straight front legs from elbow to toes. Rear angles match those in front. Three types coat: smooth, broken, rough. Should be shown in natural coat (not sculpted). The six DQs (height, ear type, nose color, eye color, bite, coat color) must not be overlooked in defining type. AH: Not a lot of leg length, but not stumpy appearing and very balanced; a very appealing head piece either wire, smooth or broken (a little of both); majorly white; and a bit of a happy-go-lucky attitude.
AP: Rectangular, balanced profile; 10-12 inch height; spans easily; 51% or more white; alert and confident; good movement (on loose lead). MU: The Russell Terrier is 10" to 12" tall which presents a horizontally rectangular balanced sturdy, flexible body with a spannable chest. The correct vertical measure- ments from withers to ground are a 50/50 proportion. This measurement is a MUST. The Russell Terrier head makes you think of a wedge that is blunt but also, includes a muzzle slightly shorter than the flat back skull and has a defined stop. The eyes are a dark almond shape, the ears are button or dropped and there should be a scis- sors bite and a strong underjaw. There is no preference of coat which may be smooth, broken or rough; however, this double, predominately white coat must be dense and waterproof. The tail may be natural or docked and it must be carried erect while moving. The Russell Terrier movement clearly exhibits that he is on a mission. With his head carriage forward with an extended neck for bal- ance he moves effortlessly and free from all restriction. This breed is shown on a loose lead never a tight, tight lead. The Russell Terrier is never to be aggressive. 4. What are the three elements to be assessed from the spanning process? CC: Size (small), shape (oval) and compressibility. GD: That the chest be of a size commensurate with fitting into a critter’s den, thus it must fit within an average- sized man’s hands and must also prove to be compress- ible and flexible. AH: Spanning seemingly has become a forgotten art and purpose. Just about every weekend I see judges forget to span the necessary breeds. The body of the Russell must be flexible enough to run, make a quick twist, turn and run some more. Or it may need to go down in a hole to catch the rat. Therefore, your hands behind the front legs, wrapped around the ribs can show you the ‘give’ when you press lightly. You can also tell if the big, old wirey coat is hiding a spindly body or an overly deep chest. This is a supple breed—it’s important. AP: The body is sufficiently flexible (which would allow the dog easily to tunnel after prey), the dog is indifferent to spanning (i.e. good temperament), and its easily accomplished. MU: When spanning the Russell Terrier there are three fac- tors that must be determined: the dog’s chest size (14" to 15" or smaller), chest shape (which must be oval) and the compressibility of the oval chest. 5. Describe the horizontal and vertical proportions for the Russell Terrier. CC: Slightly longer from withers to root of tail than from withers to ground.
t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& ' $"3:
Powered by FlippingBook